Washington state’s worst-ever wildfire season took center stage once again in Washington, D.C. Two local fire officials testified before the U.S. Senate’s Energy & Natural Resources Committee Tuesday, appealing to lawmakers for more funding for fire suppression and preparedness. Chelan County District 1 Fire Chief Mike Burnett and Jon Wyss, chairman of the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Group both said local communities need more authority to, for example, more quickly call in air support that the federal government would pay for.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 4:46:18 PM - SOURCE: KPLU-FM 88.5 NPR News

Washington state’s worst-ever wildfire season took center stage once again in Washington, D.C. Two local fire officials testified before the U.S. Senate’s Energy & Natural Resources Committee Tuesday, appealing to lawmakers for more funding for fire suppression and preparedness. Chelan County District 1 Fire Chief Mike Burnett and Jon Wyss, chairman of the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Group both said local communities need more authority to, for example, more quickly call in air support that the federal government would pay for.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 4:46:18 PM - SOURCE: KPLU-FM 88.5 NPR News

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's overhaul of how the city hires new firefighters - launched 16 months ago amid allegations of nepotism and bias - has so far failed to meet his aim of diversifying the LAFD and may require further reforms to succeed, according to interviews with city officials and a Times analysis of government data.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: los angeles times

Lexington County is telling its 350 firefighters and paramedics they need to be in shape. Being ready physically is required under a fitness plan adopted by County Council last week. All firefighters, paramedics and other ambulance crew members will be tested yearly as well as command staff who normally supervise activities.
- PUB DATE: 11/17/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: the state